I didn’t have to wait much time at all before the first rod was away, and after a strange start to the fight it was soon apparent it was another good one. I soon had a nice common in the net, 30lb 12oz, that will do! Starting the year where I left off last year.

Much to our amazement it was 39lb 14oz! Wow, an early Christmas present. My friend did me some great shots and we returned the fish. I sat drinking a tea thinking “this is awesome”. The only issue was once I had written about this epic adventure it was going to be even more like Piccadilly Circus. The rest of the night past with zero action, but I did not care, a December 39lb’er, and a new lake record…

I’ve managed over 70 fish so far this year, which has made for another great years angling. The quest for the Coconut Common will continue in the spring. Many thanks to Gardner tackle, Lewis Read, and Alan ‘Norma’ Stagg, for their ongoing support and hard work; it never goes unnoticed by me and I’m always humbled to be part of such a great firm...

After three harsh frosts and sightings dwindling to a minimum, I’d decided that my autumn campaign in search of the Coconut Common had come to an end. Having fished the lake before with no cold-water bite, I felt like my chances were realistically slim to none...